Nanny vs. Mother’s Helper vs. House Manager: How to Choose the Right Caregiver for Your Family

Searching for a caretaker can be stressful and all-consuming. You want someone who’s attentive to your baby, trustworthy, and maybe able to help out around the house as needed. It can be overwhelming to figure out exactly what role you need—and which tasks fall under each role’s typical responsibilities.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Mother’s Helper: Assists while a parent is home. Think of them as an extra pair of hands—helping with the baby, tidying up, or light household tasks while you’re nearby.

• Nanny: Provides independent childcare. Most nannies are focused on your child’s safety, development, and routine, often while parents are in another room working from home or out of the house. They may do small household tasks as they relate to the child, like washing bottles, tidying play areas, or helping with baby meals. Tasks like vacuuming, family meal prep, or taking out the trash are generally outside a nanny’s normal scope—so if you want those included, be sure to discuss it clearly and outline it in a contract.

• House Manager: Oversees the home itself. They manage schedules, coordinate vendors, run errands, and make sure the household runs smoothly. Their focus is the home more than direct childcare.

  
  

If you’re looking for a nanny who also helps with light family housekeeping and meal prep, that’s completely doable—but it’s a blended role, and you should expect to pay above a standard nanny rate. For families with a small baby, I usually recommend limiting extra tasks at first. Many nannies want to “do it all” and will try. However, it can sometimes pull attention away from your little one. It’s never malicious; they’re just trying to help, like we all do!

💡 Tip: The key is clear expectations and open communication. Outline tasks in writing, be upfront about priorities, and create a structure that supports both your family and the caretaker.

At Juliette Hayes, where we place care providers with families every day. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure about roles, or need help drafting a job description that actually works, reach out—I’m happy to help.